My computer has made a loud humming sound in the past, and I was told that it was the fan. The person helping me at the time fixed the problem. Yesterday, while running several programs on my computer, the sound started again, so I shut down the computer. Will it be harmful for me to run my computer without taking it somewhere to get it fixed (I don't know if I can afford to get it fixed at the moment)?
2007-05-25 05:44:02 · 16 answers · asked by isis77 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I just wrote a quick tutorial on this oddly enough
here:
http://tips-reviews-how-to.blogspot.com/2007/05/losing-your-bearings-or-haunted-pc.html
2007-05-25 05:46:51 · answer #1 · answered by basscleff 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Open the case and look at the fan. It is probably held in by four screws and has one cable that plugs into the system board. You should be able to easily remove it, take it to a computer store and get a new one for around $5-10. Pretty simple to do.
Sometimes you can fix the problem by just cleaning the fan and tighting the screws.
As long as the fan keeps running, it should be safe to use the PC. If it stops, stop. You do not want to overheat the computer and do hundreds of dollars of damage.
2007-05-25 05:48:51 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fans are about $12 for a decent one. You want to make sure to look at the decibel levels of the fan. The cheaper ones will run at full speed all the time and sound like an aircraft taking off...
It may be happening because you were running several progams and when you do that your computer will crank up the fans for extra cooling to balance the excess load your putting on your components to run those multiple programs.
If it stops working.. then you need to replace it... if it hums its no big deal :) You may also want to crack open your case and make sure no cables are rubbing against the blades..
2007-05-25 05:57:18 · answer #3 · answered by beast9156 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have the fan replaced. Your PC can overheat, causing costly damage. Case fans are inexpensive, about $10 USD. A lot less than a motherboard or a processor.
I like to use the ones with the built in temperature sensor and automatic speed control. These are only a couple of dollars more. They tend to be more quiet and energy efficient as they only run as fast as they need to.
I get mine from Tiger Direct, but any of the other on-line computer parts sites will do.
Cooling fans are generally easy to replace. Just be sure you buy the same size fan as they come in several diameter sizes.
2007-05-25 05:57:01 · answer #4 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a fan should not run you more than $20 dollars maybe less and they are very easy to install but if you feel you can not afford that then i would just clean the dust out of your fan and make sure it has no broken blades. If it has no broken blades make sure the blades are not hitting anything. Be sure to turn off and unplug your computer before you open it. A good way to get rid of the dust if that is the problem is to use canned air and blow the dust away
2007-05-25 05:48:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
fans run on bearings.
the bearings run iut.
the main danger is heat in the computer or in the power supply.
Oil the fan.
If it is the power supply fan it is more serious in that the heat may do in your power supply.
It is the case fan - make sure the ducts are not blocked - hair ,dust a wall etc etc.
replace the fan ( 10 $)
in the bios is a setting for heat safety - to shut down the computer if the cpu gets hot.
Turn that on
2007-05-25 05:48:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is the CPU fan that is making the racket, replace it NOW!
If the CPU continuously overheats, it will fail and cost you more (hundreds possibly) than a $20.00 fan. Most fans come with an installation kit and instructions.
If the power supply fan is making the racket, replace the power supply.
I've done both and I'm not the smartest guy around. Just take your time.
Good LUCK!
2007-05-25 05:57:13 · answer #7 · answered by Steven H 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If fans help to keep the system and or it's components cool. If the system overheats then yes,it can be bad, really bad.
Fans themselves aren't that expensive, if it's the power supply fan by chance the entire power supply will have to be replaced.
Replacing the fan will be a lot cheaper than replacing the motherboard, processor or video card.
2007-05-25 05:48:38 · answer #8 · answered by Bob-O 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on which fan. The problem is that fans are in your computer to help cool components. If a fan is making noises then its performance has dropped. If you can't afford to take it in then you can get by by opening the side case and placing a household fan to blow air inside the case. Then when you can afford it you can take it in to have it checked. Hopefully it is a fan and not your hard drive. Good Luck HTH.
2007-05-25 05:48:04 · answer #9 · answered by Joe K 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Possible defective fan or lots of dust and dirt. Open up and clean, then start with the cover off. ~
2016-05-17 12:11:30 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋